Crime Prevention Merit Badge

Crime Prevention and the Trail to Eagle

Crime Prevention is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.

Crime Prevention Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 6 main requirements for Crime Prevention. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Discuss the role and value of laws in society. Discuss the role of law enforcement officers in your community.
2
Prepare a notebook of newspaper and other clippings that address crime-prevention efforts in your community.
3
Discuss with your counselor the responsibilities and skills that make a good law enforcement officer.
4
Discuss with your counselor at least five different crimes that affect you or that you have been made aware of.
5
Discuss with your counselor how crime affects its victims. Discuss services that are available to victims of crime.
6
Working with your counselor, set up a crime-prevention program.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Crime Prevention Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Crime Prevention, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Crime Prevention is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 6 Crime Prevention requirements for you.

Crime Prevention Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Crime Prevention merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

No. Crime Prevention is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.

How long does the Crime Prevention merit badge take?

Most scouts finish Crime Prevention in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.

Where do scouts usually earn the Crime Prevention merit badge?

Crime Prevention is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Crime Prevention can sign off requirements.